Fender has always been known for quality, reliability and unequalled tone. So it is no surprise that the American Deluxe Stratocasters meet the challenge. All the features you see in their MIM Strats with a few twists tossed in just to see if you're paying attention.

First thing to take note of is the variety of models available in this line. Standard across the series are the single coil pickups. Most run Cobalt noiseless pickups but a couple of the configurations use Hot Tex Mex Strat pickups. The HSS models feature the two single coils at neck and middle with a dual coil Humbucker at the bridge.

This is the only series of Stratocasters to have a model that is only available in one body material. The American Deluxe Ash Strat is the one I speak of here. Strutting a body made from ash paired with a "C" shaped maple neck and your choice of rosewood or maple for the fret board, the sound is nothing less than phenomenal. Not to mention the playability and action which is stunning.

Now the American Deluxe Series of Stratocasters also has two more options open to the player. These are the "FMT" and "QMT" models. The initials refer to the top of the guitar and the finish. "FMT" means "Flame Maple Top" while "QMT" means "Quilted Maple Top". It would be impossible to explain this in words, so you really need to go see them for yourself. Trust me, they are gorgeous!

The electrical components and hardware have taken a turn for the better as well. The S1 switching system is standard on all American Deluxe Stratocasters and adds to the arsenal of the tone sculptors out there. Invisible to the eye, the center of the master volume knob is a push button that shifts your pickup configuration from parallel to series or any combination of the pickups. All at the touch of the musician and unknown to the audience.

For players that expect a little more from their guitar, this series of Strats are the cream of the crop. On that note, I have to mention the "V" neck model here. This is an all around American Deluxe Strat with a "soft V" shaped neck. Playing that neck is like holding melting butter in your hands. It just floats and lets you hover above the strings, waiting to attack.

Couple that with a 9.5  radius finger board and 22 Jumbo frets, not 21 like most of the other series of Stratocasters and you have an endless array of tonal possibilities. The 22nd fret is easily accessible with eh deep cutaway on the bottom side of the neck/fret board. The neck actually joins the neck at the 20th fret there so it is a short trip to #22.

All in all, the satin-like playing texture, creamy smooth tone created by quality, well thought out electronics and supreme resonance from the body material make the Stratocaster a wise selection for any serious player. This axe will deliver all the sound you need, the comfort you deserve and can withstand the rigors of gigging and travel.

Every player who picks up a guitar yearns to play a Stratocaster. In all reality, Fender’s Deluxe series Starts are the cat’s meow when it comes to affordability and quality. These Stratocasters are made outside the United States but, like I have said before, if you can play it, it doesn’t matter where it was made at!

Rivaling the tonality and sonic greatness of the higher end American Stratocaster line, the Deluxe series offers several models for the aficionado. Of the six Deluxe models Fender makes available, all have a three pickup system with 5 way switching. Three of these have single coil ceramic pickups; two have singles at neck and middle with a dual coil humbucker at the bridge. The remaining model is Fender’s own Acoustasonic Stratocaster, which is really an acoustic/electric that looks like a Strat. Interesting, to say the least.

Anyway, when you first pick up a Strat, you notice the weight. Yeah, they are a bit heavy. All that alder body material is part of what gives the Strat it’s signature creamy smooth tone. The alder body absolutely resonates with every pick stroke. Adding to that is the tremolo bar on every Strat bridge.

Necks are either of rosewood or maple with experienced players preferring the maple for it’s smooth texture. I have played both rosewood and maple necks and I can tell you that a maple neck is definitely the better of the two. It withstands the rigors of lead playing and allows for a quicker action than other woods.

The tone of a Stratocaster is nothing short of spectacular, folks. You will see Strats in use by players of country, folk, R&B, rock, metal and even jazz. This is due to the tremendous range of sound that can be sculpted out of the guitar. Once you get the feel of a Strat, you can coax sounds from it that will make young girls cry.

One of the greatest players to ever pick up a Strat was Stevie Ray Vaughn. He traded into his 1958 Tobacco Burst axe way before he ever became known. As you know, he took that guitar and made it stand up, grab your attention and jerk your heartstrings with his blues stylings. Then he would move into a rendition of Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile” and you had to wonder “is that the same guitar?”. Yes, it was.

I had to mention SRV here, but I cannot review a Stratocaster without a mention of Jimi Hendrix. Jimi made the Strat famous when he flipped it over and inverted the strings to play it lefty. Not many had heard a guitar sound that way until Hendrix came along.

All in all, the action is fast, the tones are magnanimous and the Fender quality never falters. For the price, the Deluxe Stratocaster is worth every penny. Just because it is built in Mexico doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality instrument. All it really means is that anyone can afford the Strat now. That is Fender’s way of getting their instruments into as many hands as possible.

You cannot go wrong with a Strat, people. Great construction, great electronics and great sound all mean you get a great musical experience.

If there is a single word to describe this guitar, it has to be “icon”. The Strat has been taken to a new level of playability and beauty in the American Standard Stratocaster. New finishes, better electrical components and a few unique touches make this Strat the one of your dreams.

The first important part is that Fender has started using less undercoating. This is something that you will not see, but will definitely hear. The thinner lacquer layer allows the wood of the guitar body to breathe easier. The result is a resonance that is unequalled anywhere.

Next, the bridge has been re-engineered with folded steel string saddles as well as a copper alloy bridge block. This creates more sustain and lets your music ring longer and louder. The combination of steel and the copper alloy is powerful and makes the American Standard Stratocaster a sonic force to reckon with.

The neck is treated a bit differently now as well. Fender has kept that “C” shaped neck, but the fret board, whether rosewood or maple, has been buffed to an extreme high gloss finish. Now the silky feel of the Strat neck is even better and faster. So it not only looks good, but it plays even better than before, and that is saying something.

Now for the aesthetics lovers out there. Fender now offers the Standard Stratocaster in all the classic finishes like 3 color sunburst, Olympic White and Candy Cola as well as two new beautiful ones. The Sienna Sunburst finish resembles the red/gold of the Les Paul, only prettier in my opinion. Then there is the Blizzard Pearl that is absolutely breathtaking. If looks are what you’re after, these are the ones you want to look at.

American Standard Stratocasters come in two configurations. The normal Standard Strat has the tremolo tailpiece/bridge as always and sports three single coil Strat pickups. Fender also offers the Standard Strat in an “HSS” model that features two Tex Mex Single coil pickups at neck and middle and a fender Diamondback dual coil Humbucker at the bridg

It is worth a mention here that Fender has divided the body material with these new finishes. All the old stanbys including the Blizzard Pearl, are available in alder. The Sienna Sunburst is only available with an ash body. Doesn’t affect the sound, tone or quality, though; just the wallet. Sienna Strats will cost an extra C-note, folks, but it’s worth it.

The controls are always Fender with the 5 way pickup switch, master tone, master volume and a second tone for the neck/middle pickups. With the tremolo whammy bar on the bridge, you can make these Strats sing like Aretha Franklin!

So how good ARE these American Standard Stratocasters? A player’s list might answer that best. Gary Hoey plays an MIA Standard Strat HSS exclusively, as does Gavin Rossdale. Many other notable players have selected the 3 single coil model, such as Boz Scaggs, Nils Lofgren and the legendary Ritchie Blackmore.

What can I say here except that if the Standard Strat is good enough to be CHOSEN by these guys, that speaks volumes for the quality you will fell and hear.

Players on a budget can rejoice! The Fender Standard Stratocaster makes the mark in quality, playability and features and it is affordable. By affordable, I mean for those of us who aren’t living in Beverly Hills. This is another of the MIM (made in Mexico) Fender lines. Don’t be fooled, though, as the Fender quality shines through in every one off the assembly line.

The truth is that a standard Stratocaster is big on sound, big on features and bigger on quality. From the tuning keys to the tremolo bridge, this Strat is stupendous. The electronics are outstanding and include a 5-way blade type switch. This allows the player to select from the neck, neck/middle, middle, middle/bridge or strictly bridge pickups.

The controls are standard with a master volume that lets you clean up the tone a bit. If you use effect pedals at all, that is an important aspect. In addition, the middle and bridge pickups each have their own tone controls. That makes the Stratocaster an excellent selection for many genres. Coupled with a fairly good phase shifter pedal, the blues and jazz tones are exceptional.

Strutting a 25.5”, 21 fret neck, playing this axe can be a wonderful, liquid experience. Jumbo frets complete the ambiance and make this a blues player’s dream axe. As I have said before, versatility is the order of the day with Fender guitars and the Standard Stratocaster is no different.

Whether your playing style is blues, rock or country, among others, the Standard Strat is useful. The Stratocaster was one of Fender’s first designs and was actually an offshoot of the Telecaster. Standard equipment is three single coil pickups, but you could opt for the Standard Stratocaster HSS. The “HSS” stands for the altered pickup configuration (humbucking at the bridge and single in the middle and neck) for an added dimension.

Now the Stratocaster is available in a variety of beautiful finishes. Each finish is available with either a Rosewood or Maple fret board. That is simply a matter of preference on your part, but I prefer the maple. It just sustains better and is smoother to play in my opinion. The most popular is probably the Brown Sunburst, sometimes called Tobacco Sunburst. The finish does not affect the sound or playability and is simply all about aesthetics.

The fact that this Strat is made in Mexico may turn some players off, but it really doesn’t matter. The Fender quality is still there, the electronics are still Fender and the construction is the same. For players that are on a budget but require a good quality guitar that can do anything, the Standard Stratocaster is a good selection to make.

Standard Strats also come in several different models, each with it’s own set of features and configurations. There is the Standard Strat, the Standard Strat HSS, the Standard Strat HSS with a locking tremolo tailpiece and the peripheral ready Standard Roland Ready Strat for the midi players out there.

Whatever Stratocaster you decide on, you will not be sorry. Fender delivers again with an affordable axe that anybody can walk in and buy right now. From serious gig players to the guy who plays at church, this is the Strat for you.

As we all know, Fender has been manufacturing guitars since the late 1940’s. The first model they produced was the Telecaster and became wildly popular through the late ‘40s and early to mid ‘50s. In 1962, Fender developed a guitar they called the Jaguar which was based on their previous Jazzmaster model.

The Jaguar comes in several variations: the American Vintage ’62, the Classic Player Special, the Classic Player Special HH, the Baritone Special HH and the Jaguar HH. For the most part, Fender’s Jaguars are equipped with two Special Hot single coil pickups at neck and bridge. The “HH” signifies the use of double coil humbuckers for a warmer tone and noiseless operation.

While it is true that the hardware is standard Fender all the way, the difference is the electronic set up. The Jaguars were originally meant to either replace the Telecaster models or were an attempt to appeal to jazz players. So, as a result, some designer switching and controls were developed so the player had a wider range of tone sculpting available.

The controls consist of a two position tone switch, a master volume and a master tone knob, on/offs for each pickup and a lead circuit switch. Some models even have coil tapping electrics for an enormous range of sound construction. With all this at your disposal, the Jaguar can be, and has been, utilized for many different genres of music from jazz in the early days to indie rockers of today.

Playing a Jaguar is an exercise in beauty. The action is not only smooth, but easy to fret the higher registers. With the smaller 24” scale, it becomes easier to form those difficult fingerings like C6, Dsus4 and such higher on the fret board. Factor in the adjustable bridge feature and you can even make the action a little faster if you like.

Now we come to the guitar’s weight which is a bit lighter than the standard Stratocasters and Telecasters. This means that it doesn’t wear you down during extended live performances. With the lighter weight, the Jaguar can take you a long way into a set and beyond. And with the variable tones and sounds available, you wouldn’t even need to switch guitars in mid-set. Fender’s standard tuning keys in concert with the Adjusto-Matic bridge ensures that you keep a tune longer and better.

To give you an idea of the Jaguar’s versatility, think on this. The Telecaster was the original. Fender developed the Jazzmaster to appeal to jazz players, obviously. Then they took the Jazzmaster’s design and revamped it into the Jaguar, which was supposed to replace the Telecaster and Stratocaster series. What they got was a guitar that was so versatile and playable that the Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster all became standalones.

The Jaguar was the first Fender guitar to have the smaller 24 inch scale, 22 fret neck as well as the single coil, side-notched pickups that actually were less prone to RF interference than their predecessors. Many players still liked the original single coil pickups, however, and the Jaguar became a standout on it’s own.

So if you are a serious player looking for a guitar that can do it all AND have the Fender mark of quality, the Jaguar is probably the animal for you.

Another of the deluxe Telecaster series, the Fender American Deluxe series telecaster has a few differences. The American deluxe is made of Alder and there are only two pickups; one in the neck position and one in the bridge position. What makes this guitar special is that it is 100% made in America.

Now the “made in America” stamp brings a higher price tag, but it also brings higher quality components. This axe comes with a molded hard-shell case for one and the patented S1 switching system is ideal for tone sculptors. The standard case helps protect the instrument between gigs and the electronics guarantee a signature sound that can be replicated consistently.

Where this axe’s cousin the Deluxe (made in Mexico) has the Fender thru-body bridge, the American Deluxe has another version of that bridge system. Rather than stringing through the body, this one strings in the standard method from the bottom of the bridge directly upwards to the headstock. Some players swear by the string thru style saying that it allows for extended resonation and sustainability. Truth be told, that is not really an issue here. Sustain is about the same due to the body construction.

The pickups are another diversion with two Samarium Cobalt Noiseless in the neck and bridge positions on the American Deluxe as opposed to the three single coils found on the MIM deluxe. The noiseless pickups mean a lot less buzz when your fingers leave the strings and no distortion when playing the guitar. The result is a much clearer, cleaner and sharper tone.

The neck is still the “C” neck fond in other Fender Tele models, but the action is lower by some 1/16th of an inch. Sounds trivial, but that little distance can increase your fret speed by as much as 10%. Owners of the American Deluxe series Telecaster say that the neck is the one of the easiest they have ever played.

Every guitar I have ever played right from the box (so to speak), needed a tweak here or there to get it to my liking. As I do not own one of these myself, I went to a music store and played a couple firsthand so I had an idea what they were really all about. What I can say is this; if the ones I played were indicative of a factory pre-set, it was superior.

All the electronics were in place and simply needed adjusted to achieve the desired sound. The bridge did not need adjusted as the action was absolutely perfect. I was able get some really sweet tones for blues, jazz, rock, metal and country sounds out of this American Deluxe series Fender Telecaster.

I cannot end any guitar piece without mentioning the finishes available. The Fender name elicits some preconceived visions of aesthetics. The American Deluxe Tele comes in your choice of Aged Cherry, 3 color sunburst, Montego Black or Olympic Pearl. All with either a maple or rosewood fret board.
All are beautiful and, as owners of the axe have stated, the tone matches the finish and is exceptional.

His is truly one guitar that delivers all the quality Fender has to offer and can do it all.

Surf rock in the 60s introduced a new sound so naturally a new guitar body style was needed. The Fender Jazzmaster surfed onto the scene with a unique contoured design. With soap bar pickups sitting atop a misshapen pick guard and a floating tremolo backing it up, this guitar was first seen at the 1958 NAMM show.

The music this distinctive model produced could be heard on every 60s surf and rock instrumental during that time. The 70s new-wave hits and a few of the 80s alternative songs all had the Fender Jazzmaster sound. The specs were updated and included lead and rhythm circuit volume and tone controls along with a 3-position toggle.

Although originally introduced for jazz guitar players the surf rock scene is most credited with the visuals. Most recently indie artists have discovered the sound that the Fender Jazzmaster produced and it has enjoyed a surge from a few selective bands. Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. have had models produced in honor of the guitar players who brought back the lost look.

Elvis Costello was probably the most instrumental person to bring the dust covered Fender Jazzmaster back into the limelight. The band Smash Mouth and Robert Smith of The Cure played this model; bands such as My Bloody Valentine and Wilco do their part to keep this body style current as well. Although many of the first manufactured guitars did not sell to jazz musicians as hoped for they were purchased by those who wanted a Fender and sought the lower prices to own an original after sales dropped off.

Some rival guitar manufacturers began copying the off-set waist design and Fender patented it to stop the copy era. Fender went through three phases of prototypes, First came the off-set body design and the second phase dealt with the pickup, rhythm circuit and tailpiece. The third phase was the neck design before it was released to the public.

If you are lucky enough to own one of these guitars then the head stock might not match the body. Matching color headstocks became standard on custom colored guitars and Olympic white seemed to be the most dominate color from 1963 and 1964. The pick guards did become more eccentric on the black and sun burst colored bodies, now many of them are found to be grey or a chocolate brown.

Other unique attributes about the Fender Jazzmaster are the floating tremolo and the long tremolo arm. The floating tremolo allowed your guitar to stay in tune even if a string broke, the long screw-in tremolo arm seemed to reach and touch the first pickup closest to the 21st fret. Since this model was introduced in the late 50s and only saw a limited production time it's considered a relic among guitars. If you want to find a left handed model they did make them back then.

Fender Jazzmaster celebrated 50 years of existence in 2008 and even though it might be over the hill the sound can transport you back to a time when sand and surf were the backdrops to a simpler time and the sun set on good music.

Most people who shop for a guitar know what they want by the sound they are going for. Whether its hard rock, heavy metal or country music emitting from your amp, the Fender Telecaster American Standard guitar will end your quest for a great sounding guitar. Sometimes people like to follow a musician who plays a certain brand of guitar, those who play this model are Ritchie Blackmore, members of Flogging Molly and the group Train.

The great thing about Fender guitars is that the technology inside changes but the look and feel never does. The first time you hold a Fender you are transported back to a time when guitars with guts meant something. When you play a Fender you will understand what every guitar player before you already knows, these guitars are made for people who want to make great music.

The Tele vibe is what truly brings a guitar player satisfaction, the body style says stand back and witness excellence and the tone lets those around you listening know that a Fender is singing. Guitar players often rely on the manufacturer to keep up with the demand of changing technology, when something new comes out that helps a guitar player reach his peak, Fender releases a new model. The Fender Telecaster American Standard is that new kid on the block but with a common name to all.

It's hard to improve on a classic but Fender has updated this axe to include a detailed nut that eliminates rattles and helps to improve tuning. The bridge is brass and steel and that's what gives Fender their trademark sound. They redesigned the bridge and neck to minimize string breakage and balanced the output from the pickups to capture the tone they first presented back in the 50s.

Since a Fender guitar is a personal reflection of the player the finishes include blizzard pearl and crimson red transparent. Fender went with a lighter finish so the guitar moves more; they didn't gloss the neck like before but kept the satin back. The fret board still has the rosewood or maple choice and the highly finished frets are much easier to play.

Subtle improvement can be heard when you plug in and play one of these models. The pickups are Alnicio V and the deluxe hardware couples with the bent steel Fender saddles. The staggered tuning heads allow for tone and stability that are guaranteed to last a lifetime, Fender knows that once you own one you are a guitar player for life.

They also offer the Fender Telecaster American Standard for left handed players, the hand rolled fingerboard edges are still here and all the traditional equipment like a bridge plate that increases sustain. Fender doesn't just change to capture a new wave they think of the potential guitar player first and then adapt without compromising their name or customary sound. Fender did introduce a new SKB case that is stackable, it balances perfectly and has a TSA lock and it fits snuggly in its plush surrounding.

When you want to start playing guitar with a classic in hand it doesn't get any better than the Fender Telecaster Standard. This simple yet stylish gitfiddle has everything that a guitar player wants for a first guitar. This model comes with the standard telecaster alder body with a maple neck and fretboard.

It has a modern C-shaped neck profile and with 21 medium-jumbo frets the tone is rich and the neck is very playable. The Tele pickups are revoiced and placed on the neck and the bridge. This gives it a modern but distinct sound that only Fender can produce. With 3 position blade controls and a master tone and volume it’s a timeless work of art.

The standard Tele bridge and 6 saddles allow for a string through bridge and with mirrored chrome hardware the spotlight will shine extra bright while you hold the audience in your hand. A Fender gig bag is included because the dream won't survive in your basement, garage or heart forever.

This model is probably the one that started it all for many professional musicians and its still inspiring those who window shop while out trying to find themselves. Blues guitar players often seek out this model to give them that classic look while delivering a stripped down sound. When newer guitars come out they do so with a flash that fades, the Fender Telecaster Standard is a simple guitar from a simpler time.

If you want a guitar that has a warm tone and is easy to play then stop searching and start playing. The ease of play is comforting like you have owned this guitar forever and you discovered it hidden in the back of the garage. The simple design allows you to easily maintain it and its light weight so carting it around on camping trips and to friends houses will make the self roadie in you enjoy the destination that much more.

Guitar players who buy this instrument are drawn to the rugged body look; don't spend time on any other make looking for that vintage Fender style, it's only found on a Fender Telecaster Standard. Whether you want to play rock, country, jazz or punk, this guitar can give you the sound you want and the classic look all at once.

Many guitar players are complimentary on the good action this model delivers. You can have a great time playing this guitar and the Telecaster tone is present as long as you press string to board. Just pulling this out of its gig bag will cause a small crowd to gather around you. Classics bring out the kid in all of us and Fender knows how to turn heads and perk up ears.

The Tele series is still around and if you haven't ever given your hands a chance to hold this beauty then it's high time you did. Simple and sweet are two words to describe this model. It comes with strap locks and it's considered the Jeep of guitars, rugged and functional.

Fender’s deluxe series Telecaster guitars make playing a quality instrument possible. The Fender quality is there in every guitar and the sound is nothing short of magnificent. This is recorded in many reviews of the Deluxe Tele by present owners.

This series of Telecasters has three models available: the Blackout, the Nashville and the Nashville Power. Each has beautiful color schemes available as well as great features at a really affordable price. The Blackout is reminiscent of the gothic styled instruments made popular in recent years. A very basic guitar with exceptional hardware, the Blackout is a good choice for an intermediate to advanced player.

All come with the same basic accessories and electronics with a few differences. The differences are subtle and accent the style of play. All feature the signature 5 way switching on the pickups. The pickups are all single coil, but the Nashville power has piezo transducers while the Nashville has a Tex-Mex Strat style in the center position. In my opinion, the two Nashvilles are excellent for blues and jazz stylings where the Blackout can be used for those as well as heavier, rock or even metal players.

The crescent shaped "C" neck is comfortable for all players, even those with smaller hands. All the Deluxes come strung with factory strings of the medium light variety. For a better all around tone, I would change those right away to a set of quality extra lights like D'Addario's or Martin's. The tone is better and the action of the neck really needs a light type of string.

The frets are standard jumbo which allow for a strong tonality while guaranteeing the integrity of the note being fretted. Combine that with the controls (master volume, master tone on the Blackie and Nashville, a stacked pot type on the Nash Power) on these axes and the tone crafting possibilities are massive. This is why the Deluxes are used across all genres of music: versatility, plain and simple.

All the necks are standard lengths and have 21 frets to the alder body. There is a cutaway on the left side allowing access to the higher registers easily. If you are a lead player and take solos, this is crucial. The neck inserts are a sight to see as well. So are the pick guards (dependent on the model selected) as they accent the finish very nicely.

Now about affordability…
The Blackout starts at around $599; the Nashes are a little more at $750 & up, but they DO have the superior electronics and control features. All in all, these are really good instruments for beginners to intermediate players everywhere. Fender has been around for quite some time and does make a quality guitar that anybody can afford.

Compare to a guitar that goes for $159 and you'll see the difference. Like they say, "you get what you pay for", so pay for quality and not a lot of flash. Go Fender Deluxe and play with the pros.